Get ready to fall in love with comfort food at its finest! This Meat & Potato Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly classic that layers tender potatoes, savory ground beef, aromatic spices, and gooey melted cheddar into one irresistible bake. It’s rich, soul-warming, and always hits the spot after a long day. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or making dinner for two with delicious leftovers in mind, this casserole delivers on all fronts—flavor, texture, and simplicity!

Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You really don’t need much to make this show-stopping Meat & Potato Casserole. Each ingredient has a job: from the spuds that soak up all those good flavors to the cheese that gets oh-so-melty on top. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Ground beef (1 1/2 pounds): Browned beef forms the savory, protein-packed foundation of the casserole.
Medium onion, diced (1): Sweet and sharp, onion adds depth and a gentle bite to every forkful.
Garlic, minced (3 cloves): A must for aroma and flavor—don’t skip it!
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps sauté the beef and onion for a luscious texture.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out all those layered flavors and seasons the beef perfectly.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to add a little warmth and kick.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Smoky-sweet paprika bumps up the comfort factor and gives gorgeous color.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings in earthy, herby notes that pair beautifully with meat and potatoes.
Russet potatoes, peeled & thinly sliced (2 pounds): These starchy slices bake up soft and tender, making each bite hearty and filling.
Shredded cheddar cheese, divided (1 1/2 cups): The real star of the topping—sharp cheddar adds flavor and creates that dreamy golden crust.
Whole milk (1 cup): Essential for a creamy sauce that binds everything together.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and richness for extra depth.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce so it hugs every layer.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Brings out an indulgent, creamy texture in the sauce.
Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): For a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor when serving.

How to Make Meat & Potato Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This is your trusty base for the casserole, ensuring nothing sticks while the magic happens in the oven!

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm up the olive oil. Toss in your ground beef and diced onion, stirring until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft and aromatic—about 7 minutes. Sprinkle in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme. Let everything cook together for a rich, cozy aroma, then drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about a minute, letting it bubble gently—this is your base for the luscious sauce that will tie the Meat & Potato Casserole together. Slowly whisk in the milk, letting it cook until just thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the sour cream until silky smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Layer half of your thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared dish. Next, spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat: remaining potatoes, the rest of the beef, and your creamy sauce. Top it all off with the final generous cup of cheddar.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover your dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. After that, remove the foil to let the cheese turn golden and bubbly—bake for another 20 minutes, until the potatoes are irresistibly tender and the smell fills the whole house. Don’t forget to finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for that perfect final touch!

How to Serve Meat & Potato Casserole

Garnishes

A generous dusting of chopped fresh parsley brightens up the rich casserole and adds color to your plate. If you love extra flavor, try a light shake of smoked paprika or a little fresh cracked black pepper just before serving, too.

Side Dishes

This hearty Meat & Potato Casserole is delicious on its own, but a crisp garden salad or some simple steamed green beans make perfect fresh sides. For laid-back, comfort-food nights, serve with buttered rolls or even just a scoop of tangy coleslaw.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a fun family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. Or, if you’re making it potluck-style, let guests scoop their own servings right from the dish—just be sure to show off that beautifully golden cheese topping!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Meat & Potato Casserole tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen with time, making those next-day slices extra tasty!

Freezing

To freeze, cool the casserole completely, then wrap the dish tightly with both plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered, until heated through—usually about 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave for single servings (just cover to retain moisture). A sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating makes leftovers feel brand new!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course, Casserole

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work beautifully and lighten things up a little, but still deliver loads of flavor and heartiness.

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Aim for about 1/8-inch thick—using a mandoline makes things easy, but careful knife work does the trick, too. Thin slices cook more evenly and soak up all that savory sauce!

Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole (just hold off on baking), cover it tightly, and store in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance. Bring to room temperature before popping it in the oven.

What’s the best cheese for this casserole?

Sharp cheddar is a classic, but feel free to mix in mozzarella for extra melt or try pepper jack for a little heat. Just don’t skimp on the cheese!

Is this Meat & Potato Casserole gluten-free?

As written, it does contain flour. To make it gluten-free, simply swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour instead—no one will notice the difference!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as comforting as a big hug, you’ll want to make this Meat & Potato Casserole part of your regular rotation. It’s a tried-and-true favorite in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to share it with your own family and friends. Happy baking—and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this hearty Meat & Potato Casserole. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy sauce, all baked to perfection with a cheesy topping.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meat:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Casserole:

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Meat: Brown beef and onion in olive oil. Add garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Drain excess grease.
Prepare Sauce: Melt butter, stir in flour, then whisk in milk until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
Layer Casserole: Arrange potatoes in dish, top with beef mixture, sauce, and cheese. Repeat layers. Bake covered for 40 minutes, then uncovered for 20 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.